Combinations of Rankine with ejector refrigeration cycles: Recent progresses and outlook

One of the concerns about Rankine cycle and most energy generation cycles, is the energy wasted as heat. Therefore, various methods such as combining cycles have been used to enhance the overall efficiency of Rankine cycle and to decrease the waste heat. This study has focused on the combination of ejector refrigeration cycle with Rankine cycle. The present review addresses polygeneration plants including an integration of ejector refrigeration cycle and Rankine cycle to enhance the overall performance of the plant. The integrations may include a steam Rankine cycle, or an organic Rankine cycle and an ejector refrigeration cycle coupled with other energy sources. According to the results, combination of the ejector refrigeration cycle and the Rankine cycle have led to an increase of the overall plant efficiency with applications in energy production, cooling, and heating.